Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best Tool for Fairness: Certified RNGs
- Best time to do X: Best Time to Play: Anytime—timing doesn’t affect outcomes
- Biggest mistake: Believing machines are due or reacting to streaks
- Pro tip: RNG controls the cards, but your decisions control the payout
What Is a Random Number Generator?
A Random Number Generator is a software algorithm that:
- continuously produces random values
- does so whether you’re playing or not
- is unpredictable and non-repeating
In video poker, the RNG is responsible for selecting which cards appear, not for deciding whether you win or lose.
When the RNG Is Actually Used
One of the biggest misconceptions is when the RNG locks in outcomes.
In video poker:
- the RNG is already running before you press deal
- the moment you press the button, a snapshot of random values is taken
- those values correspond to specific cards
There’s no “thinking” or adjustment after the button press.
How Cards Are Selected by the RNG
Behind the scenes:
- each card in the deck is assigned a numeric value
- the RNG selects numbers at random
- those numbers map to specific cards
This process:
- simulates shuffling a real deck
- ensures each card has an equal chance
- resets every hand
No memory carries over from one hand to the next.
Why Timing Doesn’t Matter
Many players believe:
- pressing deal faster helps
- waiting changes outcomes
- stopping the deal at the right moment matters
None of this affects the RNG.
Because the generator runs constantly:
- timing a button press doesn’t influence results
- delays don’t improve odds
- rhythm has no effect
Every press is independent.
RNG vs Player Decisions: Who Does What?
It’s important to separate roles:
The RNG:
- selects the initial five cards
- selects replacement cards after the draw
The player:
- chooses which cards to hold
- decides which outcomes they allow
The RNG provides randomness.
Your decisions determine which random outcomes you end up with.
Why Video Poker Isn’t “Pre-Programmed”
A common myth is that:
- machines are programmed to lose
- payouts are capped per session
- wins are delayed intentionally
In reality:
- RNGs don’t track your balance
- machines don’t know if you’re winning or losing
- outcomes are not adjusted dynamically
All regulation-approved machines must meet strict fairness standards.
How RNGs Are Tested and Certified
Licensed casinos use RNGs that are:
- tested by independent labs
- audited for randomness
- required to meet statistical standards
Testing ensures:
- no predictable patterns
- no bias toward the house beyond the paytable
- consistent long-term randomness
If a machine didn’t meet these standards, it wouldn’t be legal.
Why Streaks Still Happen
Randomness doesn’t mean “evenly spaced.”
RNG outcomes naturally produce:
- winning streaks
- losing streaks
- long dry spells
These streaks:
- feel meaningful
- are emotionally powerful
- are still random
RNGs don’t smooth results—they let randomness play out naturally.
Why “Hot” and “Cold” Machines Don’t Exist
A machine that just paid a royal flush:
- has the same odds next hand
- doesn’t reset
- doesn’t cool off
Likewise, a machine on a losing streak:
- isn’t due
- isn’t warming up
- has unchanged probabilities
The RNG doesn’t remember the past.
RNGs vs Physical Card Decks
In real poker:
- decks are shuffled physically
- imperfections can exist
In video poker:
- decks are virtual
- shuffling is perfect every hand
- no wear or bias exists
This actually makes video poker more statistically clean than live cards.
How RNGs Interact With Paytables
Important distinction:
- RNG determines which cards appear
- paytable determines how much those cards pay
RNG fairness doesn’t mean high RTP.
RTP comes from paytables and strategy.
Online vs Casino RNGs
Both online and casino video poker:
- use RNGs
- follow similar certification standards
Differences usually come from:
- paytable quality
- transparency
- ease of verification
The randomness itself is equivalent.
Why Understanding RNGs Improves Strategy
Knowing RNGs:
- removes superstition
- prevents emotional chasing
- reinforces disciplined play
Once you trust randomness, you focus on what matters—correct decisions.
Common RNG Myths in Video Poker
False beliefs include:
- “The machine owes me”
- “Wins are spaced out”
- “Casinos throttle payouts”
None of these align with how RNGs work.
What RNGs Can’t Do
RNGs do not:
- react to player behavior
- adjust odds mid-session
- change based on time of day
They only generate random values.
FAQs on RNGs in Video Poker
Are Video Poker Hands Truly Random?
Yes. Certified RNGs ensure randomness.
Can Casinos Manipulate RNGs?
Not legally. Machines are regulated and tested.
Does Faster Play Change Results?
No. Speed does not affect outcomes.
Can RNGs Be Predicted?
No. That’s the point of randomness.
Do Online RNGs Differ From Casino RNGs?
They function the same way.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand how RNGs determine video poker hands, the next step is learning how those hands translate into expected returns across different games.
Next Article: Understanding Return-to-Player in Video Poker Variants (article #8)
Next Steps
If you want RTP basics, read: Why Video Poker Has a Higher RTP Than Most Casino Games (article #6)
If you want payout math next, read: Understanding Return-to-Player in Video Poker Variants (article #8)
Want the full framework? Use: The Complete Guide to Video Poker (pillar)
Gridzy Hockey is Shurzy’s daily NHL grid game where you pretend you’re “just messing around” and then suddenly you’re 15 minutes deep arguing with yourself about whether some 2009 fourth-liner qualifies as a 40-goal guy.
If you think you know puck, prove it. Go play Gridzy right now!
